Madam Koi-Koi is a horror tale that resonates with many Nigerians, especially those who attended boarding schools. She is a ghost known for terrorizing the hallways of boarding school hostels at night, announcing her presence with the sound of her heels as she roams.
Over the years, different stories explaining why Madam Koi-Koi haunts boarding schools have been passed down from mothers to their children, seniors to juniors, and anyone willing to listen. These tales contribute to the apprehension many parents and children feel towards boarding schools.
A movie centered around such nostalgic tales is likely to evoke strong emotions, especially for Nigerians who attended boarding schools.
The Plot
The movie “The Origin of Madam Koi-Koi” takes us back to the origins of the famous character, spanning three different periods: 1941, 1971, and 1991.
The narrative unfolds in Malomo, a town in 1991, where St. Augustine’s Catholic College, known for academic excellence, welcomes a new student named Amanda( Martha Ehinome). Despite the school’s prestige, it harbors dark secrets, including the harassment of female students by a group of boys. These atrocities are concealed by the Mother Superior(Ireti Doyle) to avoid government intervention.
Mother Superior
Following a gruesome act by the boys, one of them, Idowu, is murdered in the forest. Rumors spread about a wild animal attack, but a townsperson knows the true story. This individual recounts events from 1941 and 1971, revealing a vengeful spirit tied to a cursed forest.
In 1941, we witness the killing of a woman falsely accused of murdering her children, as none of them lived beyond the age of four. She was hanged on a tree at an intersection that served as a boundary between the world of the spirit and the world of the living in a cursed forest. Before succumbing to death, she vowed vengeance upon the town of Malomo.
In 1971, a female teacher, recognized by her signature red heels from the school, was raped and murdered by some villagers. This heinous act took place near a tree in the cursed forest where the innocent woman from 1941 met her tragic end. The vengeful spirit of the deceased woman then took possession of the late school teacher’s body, birthing Madam Koi-Koi ( Omowunmi Dada), initiating a series of killings within the community.
Their gods were consulted, and a sacrifice was made by chopping off one finger from each of the perpetrators of the crime and their father. Subsequently, they were all banished from Malomo, never to set foot in the town again, including their descendants.
In 1991, the spirit is awakened, and Amanda, the new student, is revealed to be the daughter of one of the men responsible for the 1971 crime. Madam Koi-Koi resumes her killings, leading to a climax at the school.
Amanda
With the help of a police officer and a witness from 1971, they manage to stop Madam Koi-Koi. The narrative suggests that Madam Koi-Koi’s nightly presence in boarding school hallways is driven by her search for the descendants of those who wronged her, seeking revenge.
Critique
There are several reasons why people might not give this movie a high rating. One of them is that the writer’s portrayal of who Madam Koi-Koi is and how she originated deviates from the tales we grew up with. The essence of Madam Koi-Koi, traditionally associated with her red Koi-Koi shoes, might leave viewers expecting the cast and crew to focus more on that aspect. Boarding school kids may not be pleased with this departure and might experience some disappointment.
However, accolades should be given to the crew for their departure from typical Nigerian horror tropes, such as ritual sacrifices and supernatural transformations.
The use of the Yoruba language, costumes, and setting align well with the time frame and geographical location, enhancing the overall viewing experience also deserves acknowledgement.
Ratings
7/10
Please like, comment, share, & follow our Instagram @beerparloormedia